Vivian Dorothy Maier

Place: New York City

Born: 1926

Death: 2009

Biography:

Vivian Dorothy Maier was an American street photographer who was born in New York City in 1926. She was raised in France and spent most of her adult life working as a nanny and caregiver in the suburbs of Chicago. Maier took more than 150,000 photographs during her lifetime, primarily of the people and architecture of Chicago, New York City, and Los Angeles.

Early Life and Career

Maier's early life was marked by her experiences in France and the United States. She developed an interest in photography at a young age and began taking pictures of the world around her. Her photographs often captured the everyday lives of people on the streets, showcasing her unique perspective and talent for storytelling.

Photographic Style and Legacy

Maier's photographic style is characterized by her use of black and white film, which adds a sense of timelessness to her images. Her photographs often feature everyday people going about their daily lives, showcasing the beauty in mundane moments. The Chicago History Museum has a collection of Maier's photographs, including Skaters in Central Park, which is a stunning example of her street photography. Maier's work was discovered and recognized after her death in 2009. Her photographs have been exhibited around the world and have received critical acclaim. The Museum of Modern Art has also featured Maier's work, showcasing her talent and contribution to the world of street photography.

Awards and Recognition

Maier's life and work have been the subject of books and documentary films, including the film Finding Vivian Maier (2013), which was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Her photographs continue to inspire and influence photographers around the world.

• Street photography: Maier's unique perspective and talent for capturing everyday life on the streets.
• Black and white film: Maier's use of black and white film adds a sense of timelessness to her images.
• Vivian Dorothy Maier: A pioneering American street photographer who left behind a legacy of stunning photographs.

Maier's work can be found on Wikioo.org, where her photographs are available for viewing and purchase. The Alte Nationalgalerie and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art also have collections of Maier's work, showcasing her talent and contribution to the world of photography. Maier's legacy continues to inspire photographers around the world, and her work remains a testament to the power of street photography to capture the beauty in everyday life. Visit Wikioo.org to explore Maier's photographs and learn more about her life and work.